Definition and Elements of Financial Reporting

Suggested readings for chapter I of Financial Reporting in Government
By Dr. John Sacco , George Mason University
Revised Monday, October 13, 1997

Official

The formal standards for governmental are printed in a volume referred to as the Codification. Its title is: Codification of Governmental Accounting and Financial Standards . A date is attached because as new or modified standards are added the codification changes.

Professional Associations

Several associations also prepared important though not officials documents. One such organization is Governmental Finance Officers Association ( GFOA ). It prepares a book called the blue book or Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting ( GAAFR ).

Textbooks

Textbooks provide a wealth of information, often repeating or summarizing material from the Codification and GAARF.

Others

GASB (1994). Governmental Financial Reporting Model . Invitation to Comment. June, 1994.
GASB (1997). Proposed Statement of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board: Basic Financial Statements -- and Management's Discussion and Analysis -- for State and Local Governments. January.
GASB (1987). Concepts Statement No. 1 of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board: Objectives of Reporting. May.
See Also: homework , project elements , the glossary , stories , exercises and demonstrations , and a summary